Honestly, if you're looking at a New Orleans 21 day forecast right now, you're probably trying to figure out if you need to pack that heavy vintage coat for the parades or if a light hoodie will do. It’s tricky. New Orleans in late January is a bit of a weather rebel. One day you're sitting on a curb in the Garden District soaking up 70-degree sun, and the next, a damp wind off the Mississippi is cutting through your jeans like a knife.
Right now, as of January 18, 2026, we are staring down a classic Louisiana winter seesaw.
Today is actually quite crisp. We’re looking at a high of 49°F and a low of 34°F. That’s genuinely cold for the Big Easy. The sky is clear and sunny, which is a nice break from the rain we had yesterday, but that northwesterly wind at 10 mph makes it feel even sharper. If you're out walking the French Quarter, you'll definitely want the layers.
What the Next Three Weeks Look Like
Planning for the next 21 days—taking us from mid-January through the first week of February—means preparing for a massive shift in "vibes."
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Basically, the immediate week is going to warm up significantly. By Friday, January 23, we are hitting a high of 72°F. That is prime "sitting outside with a muffuletta" weather. But—and there’s always a but in NOLA—the humidity starts climbing back up to around 73% or higher. When the humidity hits those numbers in the winter, the air feels heavy.
Saturday, January 24, looks like the warmest day in the immediate outlook with a high of 76°F, but it comes with a 75% chance of rain. It won't just be a sprinkle; expect a real wash-out.
The Late January Dip
After that warm, wet weekend, the temperature takes another dive. By Monday, January 26, the high drops back to 54°F.
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This is the pattern you have to get used to.
- Warm and Wet: Gulf air flows in, making it humid and rainy.
- Cold and Dry: A front pushes through, clears the clouds, and drops the mercury.
Historically, as we move into February, the city stays "mildly cool." The average high for February in New Orleans is usually around 65°F, with lows near 52°F. Since Mardi Gras 2026 falls early this year on February 17, the lead-up parades starting in early February (like Oshun and Cleopatra on February 6) are likely to be on the cooler side.
The Humidity Factor: 42°F Isn't Just 42°F
New Orleans is one of the most humid cities in the country. This changes how you experience the New Orleans 21 day forecast.
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In a dry climate like Denver, 45 degrees is light jacket territory. In New Orleans? That 45 degrees is "wet cold." It gets into your bones. Right now, the humidity is sitting at 53%, but it’s going to spike to 85% by next Sunday. When the humidity is that high and the temperature is in the 50s, you need wind-resistant layers. A wool sweater is great, but a light windbreaker over it is the real pro move.
Rainfall Realities
January and February aren't the wettest months—that's usually July—but we still average about 5 inches of rain in February. The current forecast shows several "light rain" days scattered through the next two weeks.
The concern for locals is always the urban drainage. We’re currently coming out of some drought conditions (D1/D2), so the ground can handle some water, but the catch basins in the city can be finicky. If the forecast calls for "heavy rain south," like the Almanac is suggesting for early February, keep an eye on the street flooding reports.
Packing and Prep: Actionable Advice
If you are traveling here within this 21-day window, don't trust a single outfit.
- The Layering Rule: Pack a mix of short sleeves and a legitimate medium-weight jacket. You will likely use both within a 48-hour period.
- Footwear: Leave the suede at home. Between the rain chances on January 24 and the general "street muck" of the city, waterproof boots or leather sneakers are your best friends.
- Parade Prep: If you're here for the early February parades, bring a small tarp or a large plastic bag. It's not just for rain; it's to put on the damp ground so you have somewhere dry to sit while waiting for the krewes to roll.
- The Sun Factor: Even when it’s 49°F like today, the UV index is at a 4. You can still get a "winter burn" if you're standing out in the sun all day at a festival or parade.
The bottom line? The New Orleans 21 day forecast is a journey from shivering at 34°F tonight to potentially sweating in 76°F humidity by next Saturday. Keep your plans flexible, watch the radar on the weekends, and always have a backup plan that involves an indoor jazz club or a cozy bowl of gumbo.